Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Looking for a lightweight option that has just enough grip for a good time on the trails? The women's Altra Superior 7 trail-running shoes give you everything you need for off-road adventures.
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Imported.
View the Altra Superior Product LineView all Altra Women's Trail-Running Shoes| Best Use | Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Trail-Running Shoe Type | Light-Trail |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Minimal Cushion |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 0 |
| Heel Stack Height (mm) | 21 |
| Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 21 |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper | Engineered knit with textured TPU overlays and protective netting |
| Lining | Nylon |
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA |
| Outsole | MaxTrac |
| Rock Plate | No |
| Weight (Pair) | 15.4 ounces |
| Gender | Women's |
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I'm not sure, but these feel much more like the Superiors of old! {This review is for the Superior 7s.} The fit is good - though for some reason even though I'm typically an 8.5 in Altras, I seem to need a size 9 for the trail models. The traction/tread is great. Flexibility is about where I want it - not 100% barefoot feel but not too stiff either. Anyway, the only thing I changed up are the laces - opting for the "stretchy" type. Just a personal preference. One zonk for the gray color - a bit boring, but probably they'll be covered in dirt and such soon enough. Finally, I'm not typically what you call a "sock wearer." These have a soft enough interior that I can go barefoot inside the shoe. I'd recommend these if you're looking for that compromise between a slight barefoot feel but not sacrifice protection for your feet in rough trail running; and you prefer a zero drop feel.
I've owned several pairs of altras. I wear size 7.5 in lone peaks and 8 in superiors. Unfortunately the superior 7 is too tight across the mid foot. Odd design where loosening the shoelaces at the first pair of eyelets does nothing to give more space because there's simply not enough fabric around that area. Compared to the superior 5 these are much tighter on top, and gave me pain when I tried them on. However, the soles on the 7s are a bit more comfortable than the 5s.
I was so hoping that Altra would fix Superior 6’s problem with the tight fit across the top with this new version, but this ain’t it! The Superior 5s are my all time favorites, took my old pair off to try these on and these new ones are so, so tight on the top of my foot. I’ll be returning these and waiting for something better from Altra.
Ugh. I have owned 6 pairs of Superiors over like 8-9 years. They were my go to and I never had a break in period and they just fit beautifully. But I put these superior 7s on and was instantly like no go. The reason is they have added stitching on the top of the shoe at the end of the laces. It compresses the top of your foot instantly and is extremely uncomfortable. I’m so sad. Trying to find some 6’s because I need some replacements. I hope the next version does not have this flaw.
I bought these to replace my well-loved Superior 3's and I could not be happier. These are lightweight and as comfortable as slippers while still having the support and traction for walking and hiking. These are narrower than some models, but I feel they fit my wide feet better than my Olympus 6's that my feet just slide around in. I normally wear a size 11 but always buy my Altras in size 12. Thank you REI for carrying this shoe in size 12.
If you are someone who has wider feet and does not like all the extra cushioning with normal shoes, these shoes are great! They are still supportive and hold your foot in place, and work well on all types of terrain. Definitely recommend for anyone new or already into running!
I've been buying Altra Superiors for about 9 years now. I work at a job where I'm constantly running around, so much that I have to buy new ones every 6 months. I hated when you changed the tongue and had it sewn on one side, so this the only good change to the 7s. It seems every year there's some kind of change, which is really annoying. I like that they're so lightweight and no cushioning and a wide toe box, so I've overlooked different changes. The toe box is not the same. It is causing a excruciating corn on my toe, which I cannot have in order to do my job. This change I cannot overlook. I hate that I have to go back to the drawing board and research different shoes. Why do you have to always make changes?
I have gone through about 7 pairs of Altras for hiking over the past 6-7 years, as a daily hiker on rugged terrain: 4 Lone Peaks, 3 Superiors, and have another Superior on order. Depending on weather and terrain I sometimes switch to leather boots. Superiors are my preference both on and off trail when not wearing boots. I feel much more stable and connected to the ground and their shape better fits my foot than Lone Peaks do. My 2nd toe is extra long and if I get Lone Peaks long enough that my toe doesn't hit the end, they are too wide and sloppy and I am apt to turn my ankle. The Superiors hug my width through the ankle and arch better and are less spongey, making them more stable and the toe shape provides length space for my long toe. Their traction is great. I wear boots when I will be off trail or more likely to encounter rattlesnakes and stickers although the gaiters work well with Superiors for stickers. I go up a half size from normal on Superior.
I purchased this pair for hiking as I have a dedicated pair of Altra Lone Peak for trail running. Me and my dogs hike every day, usually gravel roads, woods or the beach. This shoe manages it all. I like the comfortable cushioning, which gives comfort but is not so thick that one loses a feel for the the terrain. The color is bomb, too.
I love these shoes, but unfortunately they seem to tight. I am hoping to try them on in a size larger and fix the problem.


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